Company Holiday Ideas…

Our organization is short on funds this year (who isn’t?). I expected our annual catered holiday party to be cancelled since feeding 300 or so office staff isn’t exactly cheap – not that the catering has ever been good, but it’s been edible.

We received an e-mail about a month ago proposing a company potluck instead of the catered affair. It sounded like a stupid idea to me. Dry mashed potatoes? Soggy salad? Not my idea of holiday cheer.

As I entered the giant conference room, I was assaulted by the powerful scents of AMAZING food. I was wrong about the culinary talents of my co-workers.

I am fortunate to work with a group of ethnically diverse folks. I filled my plate with lumpia, pancit, spicy dip, Mexican cheese wraps, and other foods I’d never had the opportunity to try before. For two hours, I ate the treasures created by my co-workers and shared my fresh warm bread. We talked and shared recipes. We caught up on recent gossip and for a moment…

forgot that the economy sucks.

It was by far the best company party we’ve ever had.

Try something new this year. It may just be the best thing you’ve ever done.

Maybe this recession isn’t all bad.

Posted by Beks on December 10, 2009 at 11:42 PM in Food Review, Free Stuff, Good Info, Life Experiences | 15 Comments »
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is not allowed.

Newer Posts Older Posts

Melanie responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Man, I’m so jealous that you have an ethnically diverse office! We don’t have that at all, so I can always plan on the EXACT same thing for every potluck. We’re having one next week…I’m trying to figure out what to bring that’s different.
E.D. responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am
For some reason, my company went the other way this year. We normally have a potluck (very good food). This year, the site manager paid for a very crappy meal that not everyone could eat.

Hopefully we will go back to the potluck next year.
Michelle responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 8:57 am
So glad you got to taste some lumpia and pancit! Filipino food is the best!
Sarah responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Potlucks are common for departments to have at my company. People look forward to the great food and there is quite a variety each time. I find i don’t have to increase the quantity of food either. A regular portion is fine because not everyone will try what I bring. There is usually enough food to go around.
Georgie responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 11:52 am
We had our potluck on Wednesday, and only 1/4 to 1/3 of the folks who came contributed…and then the people who didn’t bring food complained there wasn’t enough for them. And 2/3 of the food brought was store-bought cookies.

So you’re lucky!
Cynthia responded:
Posted: December 11th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Our annual pot luck is Thursday. It’s always the best day of the year around here. The retired folks come back to visit. A small group goes around the building caroling. The food may not be the most diverse (like yours!) but it always tastes great. And it’s always overflowing from breakfast to end of the day.
John DeFlumeri Jr responded:
Posted: December 12th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
That is useful and welcome information about keeping a company party alive in this economy.

Thanks! John DeFlumeri Jr
Mrs. Accountability responded:
Posted: December 12th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
We always have potluck at our Christmas staff party. There are less than 30 of us, and it’s not too overwhelming. I don’t know how it would be to walk in with over 300 dishes to sample. LOL
Mrs. Money responded:
Posted: December 12th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
That’s awesome! We got $7 each from our company this year to celebrate.
Nicole responded:
Posted: December 13th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Lumpia? I am SO jealous! My old boss’ wife was Filipino so I use to enjoy it on a regular basis. Lucky you!

Glad you were able to enjoy each others food and company even if it was for a short time : )
Kris responded:
Posted: December 13th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I teach, and so always have a house party for our Christmas party, and it’s potlock and BYOB. Often the social club, for which we all pay $20 for, hires a karoake DJ. It’s a blast. We all bring out our best stuff, and we can just relax.

My husband works for a non-profit org. and last year they had a nice catered dinner and tons of door prizes. This year, there have been a lot of lay-offs and EVERYONE has to take a 4-day furlough. I am happy to see that they are NOT having a big deal dinner and are having a potluck instead.

Like any party, it’s about the company of the people.
Carol 55 responded:
Posted: December 13th, 2009 at 10:48 am
If your company is cutting back on the food, this site Celebration Ideas Online.. http://www.celebrationideasonline.com
There are some hysterical holiday themed games like Holiday Bunco and a Hold or Swap auction game that would add a ton of laughs to any office Christmas party.. no one would even care about the food! If you ever saw The Office episode about the Yankee Auction at their office xmas party, you will love these ideas.
Lizzie responded:
Posted: December 13th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
That sounds super cool!!! Bet this starts a new tradition !
Money Funk responded:
Posted: December 14th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Our potlucks are totally yummy! We are quick to respond when we know there is a potluck taking place. Many of times we make excuses to have one. LOL.

Glad you liked the new tradition.

Our department wide party was cancelled too. Luckily, our smaller division is still having one this week.
Beks responded:
Posted: December 14th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
I feel so jealous! It seems like we were a little late on catching on to this potluck idea at my office. I’m glad it started and hope it stays a tradition.